'Shirdi among most expensive destinations in August'

MUMBAI: Shirdi in Maharashtra is one of the most expensive destinations in the country this month, according to a report.


"With people looking up at destinations for short holiday breaks this month the holy city of Shirdi has been ranked top as one of the most expensive destinations this August, which provides two long weekends," the report by global online hotel search site trivago said.

The hotel prices costing on average would be Rs 8,411 per night in Shirdi.

However, the hotel rates have softened marginally by five per cent compared to July, the report pointed out.

Coorg in Karnataka is the second most expensive destination in August, with an average price for an overnight stay of Rs 7,289. Coorg also saw drop of about 15 per cent in hotel rates from last month.

The regal city of Udaipur in Rajasthan, with an average price for an overnight stay of Rs 6,168, ranked third in the list of the most expensive destination to visit during monsoon season. The hotel prices saw a marginal increase of four per cent from July.

The hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, ranked fourth most expensive destination during this month at Rs 6,088 for an overnight stay followed by Corbett National Park, located in the foothills of Himalayas, at Rs 5,687 per night.

Shimla also saw a rise of three per cent in hotel rates this month compared to July, it said.

All prices are the average price per night for a double room during August.

Prices for a double room are calculated on the basis of one million daily price inquiries for overnight hotel stays generated through the trivago hotel price comparison service, creating a comprehensive overview of the online hotel market.
Coming to the budget destinations during August, the trivago report found that it ranges from sandy beaches of Goa, to the mountains and valleys of Himachal, Manali starting from Rs 3,765 per night of stay.

No matter which part of India you are in, there is a cheap destination within close proximity.

Calungute in Goa is pocket friendly this month, costing an average Rs 3,605 per night.

Monsoon is the reason for the decrease in the price of Calangute, as it is concentrated on overseas tourist arrival and August is an off season for foreign tourists in Goa.

Calangute is followed by Dharamshala, Manali and Munnar, which saw decrease in their hotel prices compared to last year in August by 10 per cent, eight per cent and two per cent, respectively, it added.